13 Killed in Tragic Road Accident on Sotik-Kericho Highway

At least 13 people have died and 11 others are critically injured following a horrific road accident along the Sotik-Kericho Highway in Cheptangulke, Bomet County.

The Saturday afternoon crash involved a 14-seater matatu, a personal car, and a truck. Eyewitnesses say the three vehicles collided head-on, leaving several passengers dead on the spot.

Rescue operations were swiftly undertaken by Kenya Red Cross personnel, local police, and emergency responders. Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok confirmed the incident, expressing his sorrow and noting that the injured were rushed to nearby health facilities, including Kaplong Mission Hospital.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this tragic crash. Our teams, together with Kericho County officials and the Kenya Red Cross, are working to ensure the injured receive urgent medical care,” said Governor Barchok.

Graphic images and videos from the scene revealed the extent of the damage. The matatu was left mangled with shattered windows and torn seats, while the truck lay tilted across the road with a crumpled front. The personal car was also severely wrecked.

This accident adds to a rising number of road incidents this week. Just hours earlier, 13 people were hospitalized following an accident involving a Tahmeed bus along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has since urged all stakeholders to intensify safety measures during this Easter season. In a recent statement, NTSA emphasized collaboration with the National Police Service to crack down on reckless driving, especially involving school transport.

“Such tragedies can be avoided through collective responsibility,” the Authority said.